bankrate

To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign? That Is the Question

If you're in a shaky financial state, having someone willing to co-sign for a loan can be a lifesaver. But for the co-signer, it's not about altruism; it's a question of risk.

Quiz: How Financially Literate Are You?

From taxes and credit to saving and money management, you can get lost in the complexity of financial issues. How well do you know the basics of personal finance?

Next Avenue Money Scorecard: How Do You Rate?

Curious to see how your finances stack up compared to other Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s? Next Avenue gathered the stats so you can find out how you're doing.

10 Reasons Why You're Not Feeling Better About the Economy

The Dow is cruising at new highs, 236,000 jobs were created in February, consumer confidence is up, and Americans are feeling secure enough to take on new debt again. But if you're feeling somehow left out of the party, you aren't crazy. Things are still far from golden.

Traffic Ticket? The Bump to Your Car Insurance May Not Be So Bad

If you're worried about your car insurance premiums rocketing upward after you get a traffic ticket, a new study by InsuranceQuotes.com may ease your mind.

Americans Still Aren't Saving Enough

Many Americans are still failing to sock away enough money to pay for retirement -- or emergencies for that matter, according to a survey. Only half of respondents reported good savings habits, including having a spending and/or saving plan in place.

6 Signs Your Tax Preparer Is Incompetent

If you plan to hire a tax preparer to fill out your return this year, be careful. There are far too many self-proclaimed "tax professionals" whom you shouldn't let anywhere near your 1040 Form. Here's how to tell you've picked the wrong person to do your taxes.

Why Your Insurance Rates Just Jumped (and What to Do About It)

More than a third of Americans say their insurance costs grew in 2012, and in the majority of cases, it's not because they increased their coverage. But don't accuse the insurers of price-gouging: They've had a really rough decade.

Could Your Next Stockbroker Be a Credit Union?

Credit unions, with their favorable interest rates and low fees, can be good alternatives to big commercial banks. But if you're an investor looking for a one-stop shop, you may shun them for their lack of online stock trading services. Well, don't: Many now offer online brokerage accounts, too.

Gift Cards Are Great, But Watch Out for Those Fees

Depending on the type of gift card you buy, you could end up paying $25 or more in purchase and shipping fees -- and that's before the maintenance fees kick in.

Fed to Launch New Bond Buying Program to Ease Fiscal Cliff Fears

With a nervous eye on the "fiscal cliff," the Federal Reserve is expected this week to announce a new bond-buying plan intended to further reduce long-term interest rates and encourage borrowing. If it succeeds, it might soften the blow from tax increases and spending cuts that will kick in in January if Congress can't reach a budget deal.

9 Questions to Ask to See If Your Bank Is Right for You

The end of the year is a good time to give your financial life a once-over and see what changes need to be made. One item not to forget in that review: your bank. Answering these questions will help you determine whether your money is in the right place, or if it's time for a strategic withdrawal.

6 Ways to Save More Before the Year Ends

Here are six ways to grow your retirement account in the remaining months of 2012.

The Most Costly Mistake You Can Make With Your Bank Account

There's nothing more expensive than spending money you don't have. That, of course, is a lesson you might learn the hard way if you carry a balance on a high-interest credit card. But spending beyond your means can be a pricey proposition even with a debit card.

If Americans 'Vote Their Wallets,' What'll That Mean in November?

Voters are expected to "vote their pocketbooks" -- incumbents tend to win in good economies, and challengers in bad ones. If that holds true, 2012 could be a bad year for President Obama. But -- no surprise -- the realities are a bit more complicated.